Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided to inhibit release of HCV from an HCV-infected cell by contacting the cell with a VLDL assembly inhibitor, and detecting a resultant inhibition of HCV release from the cell. The methods can be used to decrease serum viremia of an HCV-infected person.

1 . A method of inhibiting release of HCV from an HCV-infected cell, the method comprising:
 a) contacting the cell with a VLDL assembly inhibitor; and   b) detecting a resultant inhibition of HCV release from the cell.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cell is contacted with a submicromolar amount of the inhibitor. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the inhibitor is an MTP inhibitor at a submicromolar amount. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the inhibitor is a small interfering RNA or antisense oligonucleotide directed against apolipoprotein B. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the contacting step further comprises contacting the cell with an antiviral agent selected from interferon and ribavirin. 
   
   
       6 . A method of decreasing serum viremia of an HCV-infected person, the method comprising:
 a) administering to the person a VLDL assembly inhibitor; and   b) detecting a resultant decrease in serum viremia in the person.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the decrease in serum viremia is effected by a submicromolar concentration of the VLDL assembly inhibitor. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the inhibitor is an MTP inhibitor, and the decrease in serum viremia is effected by a submicromolar concentration of the MTP inhibitor. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the inhibitor is a small interfering RNA or antisense oligonucleotide directed against apolipoprotein B. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the inhibitor is an antisense oligonucleotide directed against apolipoprotein B 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the inhibitor is ISIS 301012. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the inhibitor is an MTP inhibitor selected from the group consisting of BMS-200150, BMS-212122, BMS-201038 (AERG-733), BMS-201030, BMS-197636, JTT-130, mitratapide (R-103757), implitapide (BAY-139952), CP-346086, CP-467688, and CP-319340. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the administering step further comprises administering to the person an antiviral agent selected from interferon and ribavirin. 
   
   
       14 . A kit for decreasing serum viremia of an HCV-infected person, the kit comprising:
 a) a plurality of MTP-inhibitor dosage forms; and   a) a plurality of ribavirin dosage forms.   
   
   
       15 . The kit of  claim 14  wherein the MTP-inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of BMS-200150, BMS-212122, BMS-201038 (AERG-733), BMS-201030, BMS-197636, JTT-130, mitratapide (R-103757), implitapide (BAY-139952), CP-346086, CP-467688, and CP-319340.